Criterion A: Planning (6 marks) The success criteria identified in criterion A will be used in criterion D to evaluate the effectiveness of the product.
Marks
Description
0
The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1–2
An appropriate scenario for investigation for an identified client is stated. The rationale for choosing the proposed product is identified. The criteria for evaluating the success of the product are generally inappropriate.
3–4
An appropriate scenario for investigation for an identified client, providing evidence of consultation, is stated. The rationale for choosing the proposed product is partially explained and includes some appropriate criteria for evaluating the success of the product.
5–6
An appropriate scenario for investigation for an identified client, providing evidence of consultation, is described. The rationale for choosing the proposed product is justified and includes a range of appropriate criteria for evaluating the success of the product.
The choice of a suitable client and/or adviser is a major contributing factor to the final success of the solution. It is recommended that the client is either a teacher within the school, a friend or member of the family. If the student is the client, similar considerations should be undertaken in choosing the adviser. Further information is available in the “Choice of topic” section of the Computer science guide.
Role of the adviser
The adviser should provide guidance to the student as suggested below.
Advise on the scope and feasibility of the solution to ensure that a non-trivial solution is developed.
Discuss possible success criteria with the student.
Advise during the development of the product.
Confirm whether the success criteria have been met.
Selecting a topic for the solution
It is important that students, with the teacher’s guidance, choose an issue that:
engages their interest
meets the criteria for assessment
involves a client and/or adviser who is accessible and can provide feedback within the required time frame
is realistic in terms of resources, their technical ability and the time frame for completion.
Examples of scenarios from within the school could include the following.
The computer science student (client) wishes to develop further (improve an existing product) his website, which provides an online forum for the development of web pages using PHP. A possible solution is to develop additional web pages with the network manager acting as an adviser.
A computer science student has been asked by the economics teacher (client) to develop a spreadsheet (original product) that is able to process a set of examination results to see if the mistakes in the questions have had a significant effect on the students’ marks.
A computer science student has been asked by the geography teacher (client) to develop a modelling package (new product) to determine whether four colours are sufficient to colour the states in any given country.
Examples of scenarios from outside of the school could include:
A manager of a local football team (client) requires a method of keeping accurate records of players’ details, attendance at training sessions and performance throughout the season (problem). A possible solution is to develop a bespoke relational database.
These word count figures in the table below are guidelines. The overall word limit for the solution is 2,000; however, it is possible to complete the solution in 1,500 words without a significant loss of quality. If students write extended prose in the sections where the word count does not apply, these words will be counted in the overall word count. It is strongly recommended that the documentation is submitted in a commonly used format such as a PDF. Prescribed format(s) of presentation are indicated in bold.
General info, requirements and resources:
http://ibcs1-wd.wikispaces.com/The+project+%28IA%29
Criterion A: Planning (6 marks)
The success criteria identified in criterion A will be used in criterion D to evaluate the effectiveness of the product.
Stage 1: Planning and preparation
https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/live-exist/rest/app/tsm.xql?doc=d_4_comsc_tsm_1201_1_e&part=4&chapter=2
useful selection:
Choice of client and/or adviser
The choice of a suitable client and/or adviser is a major contributing factor to the final success of the solution. It is recommended that the client is either a teacher within the school, a friend or member of the family. If the student is the client, similar considerations should be undertaken in choosing the adviser. Further information is available in the “Choice of topic” section of the Computer science guide.Role of the adviser
The adviser should provide guidance to the student as suggested below.Selecting a topic for the solution
It is important that students, with the teacher’s guidance, choose an issue that:- engages their interest
- meets the criteria for assessment
- involves a client and/or adviser who is accessible and can provide feedback within the required time frame
- is realistic in terms of resources, their technical ability and the time frame for completion.
Examples of scenarios from within the school could include the following.- The computer science student (client) wishes to develop further (improve an existing product) his website, which provides an online forum for the development of web pages using PHP. A possible solution is to develop additional web pages with the network manager acting as an adviser.
- A computer science student has been asked by the economics teacher (client) to develop a spreadsheet (original product) that is able to process a set of examination results to see if the mistakes in the questions have had a significant effect on the students’ marks.
- A computer science student has been asked by the geography teacher (client) to develop a modelling package (new product) to determine whether four colours are sufficient to colour the states in any given country.
Examples of scenarios from outside of the school could include:- A manager of a local football team (client) requires a method of keeping accurate records of players’ details, attendance at training sessions and performance throughout the season (problem). A possible solution is to develop a bespoke relational database.
Choose your topic:Example Computer Science IAs
Python Programming Projects Archive: http://www.cse.msu.edu/~cse231/PracticeOfComputingUsingPython/index.php
Word count and format
These word count figures in the table below are guidelines.The overall word limit for the solution is 2,000; however, it is possible to complete the solution in 1,500 words without a significant loss of quality.
If students write extended prose in the sections where the word count does not apply, these words will be counted in the overall word count.
It is strongly recommended that the documentation is submitted in a commonly used format such as a PDF.
Prescribed format(s) of presentation are indicated in bold.